ARSENAL have had a shock £60million bid for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins rejected, according to reports.
The Gunners are keen to pull off an incredible swoop for the England striker before the February 3 transfer deadline.
Boss Mikel Arteta is said to be a big admirer of Watkins.
And according to the Mail, Arsenal chiefs believe that the 29-year-old could spark life into their title bid.
A deal will not be easy to complete, with three-and-a-half years remaining on Watkins' Villa contract.
Unai Emery's side have turned down Arsenal's initial bid, and are unhappy with its timing.
The forward remains a key man for Villa and is set to be in Champions League action against Celtic tonight.
He recently scored a pivotal goal at the Emirates as Villa came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Arsenal.
In total he has netted 10 goals in 23 Premier League appearances this season.
Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in 2020 for a then-club record £28million.
During his stint with the Bees, the forward made his stance on a potential move to Arsenal clear.
He said: "Yeah, that’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot."
Unlike previous campaigns, Watkins has shared the work load as Villa's No9 this term.
Jhon Duran has also enjoyed a productive season for Emery's side, but continues to be linked with a move away.
Saudi side Al-Nassr are the latest team to attempt to sign Duran, as they look to pair him with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Famouz22
0
Arsenal is only in England for fun. Victor Gyokores, Victor Oshimean or even Benjamin Sesko is far better than Oliver Watkins
thank you very much don't mind the senseless Arsenal board they are really blind
Bokacdilot
0
Always coming late Arsenal
Amoussou
0
you bought him for 28 I want to sell it for 60 villa is crazy
Perogo44
0
this arteta is really sick, 60 million for a 29years old
Nikadlnuy
1
de problem z not de price de problem z how they will pay remember arsenal pays in ten years so ateam like Villa which wants de money to buy other players can't accept
vusamavu1
0
arteta needs osimien easy
Are trying to say Slot?
buhdnpsyz
2
sporting London goykers?
buhdnpsyz
1
wow good goykers
Jiackmtyz
2
arteta needs osimien easy
Jeacemnrtz
2
Arsenal is only in England for fun. Victor Gyokores, Victor Oshimean or even Benjamin Sesko is far better than Oliver Watkins
Gunthemall90
0
Unserious football team why not go for him 2 weeks back now ure going for him at the end of the window when u know it’ll be so hard for Villa to get a replacement setup set of peoples
very unserious club, I hate arsenal for dis
ColinsGooner
1
Get him ASAP,pay Villa what they want,we need him for the Man City and Newcastle games,then we go on Holiday happy and ready to win the title
LarryOJ1
2
Unserious football team why not go for him 2 weeks back now ure going for him at the end of the window when u know it’ll be so hard for Villa to get a replacement setup set of peoples
homdilpstz
0
What is wrong with pushing for VG9 or BS30?
Cukabtuy
0
yes bring him ateta we need him
Edoward
0
Just to understand they're aren't buying any striker this winter top 4 finished is our achievement I will say
Edoward
2
I will say Arsenal is very unserious, no sense in this deal where Vlahovic, and Sesko, Victor from Nigeria 😭😭
Yodbmnprst
0
fake news
Zuaacdkmny
0
That amount can get a better striker... Watkins is an average striker!
Gurilla
1
overrated
Hiaeinoruz
2
go for sesko instead, he is 21
humadcast
1
60m for 29 yr old?? Where was this during summer for Sesko?
Peyadlst
0
Ollie is a talented striker.
Yusacilmot
0
why wait till now ?